Sedation Dentistry Archives

If you have dental anxiety or need to undergo an uncomfortable dental procedure, sedation dentistry can help. Getting sedation from a trusted dentist in Charlottesville, VA, can increase your comfort in the dental chair. If you’ve never undergone sedation dentistry before, you may have questions. We can help! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of sedation to make going to the dentist more comfortable. Sedation can give patients a feeling of euphoria, to help curb problems like dental anxiety. If you need to undergo a long and difficult dental procedure, sedation anxiety can make sitting in the dentist’s chair much easier.

Can You Drive Home After Receiving Sedation?

Whether you can drive home after receiving sedation depends on the type of sedation that you were given. Nitrous oxide is the most common type of dental sedation. This colorless, odorless gas takes effect quickly and then exits the system just as fast. Once you’ve stopped inhaling nitrous oxide, you’ll be ready to drive soon after.

Other types of sedation, like oral sedation, take longer to work its way out of your system. You will need a ride home after taking oral sedation. Talk to your dentist to find out which type of sedation you’ll be given and whether you need a ride home after your dental appointment.

Does Sedation Put You To Sleep?

Sedation can put you to sleep, depending on the type of sedation that your dentist gives you. Nitrous oxide does not usually put patients to sleep, and it is the most common type of sedation that dentists provide. Talk to your dentist to find out if your sedation might put you to sleep.

Does Sedation Stop Pain?

Generally speaking, sedation does not stop pain. Instead, sedation gives patients a sense of euphoria and indifference to discomfort. If you think that you can benefit from sedation dentistry in Charlottesville, VA, talk to your dentist before your next dental appointment. Your dentist can help you decide whether this is a good option for you.

At South Side Dental Center, we offer sedation dentistry to our patients who need it. We understand that not everyone is as comfortable with being in the dentist’s chair as the next person. Everyone has their own anxiety thresholds, boundaries where they are comfortable or not with a particular dental treatment. Sedation dentistry in Charlottesville, VA is a vetted solution to dental anxiety, and is commonly used throughout the world.

However, sometimes this isn’t the best solution. There are some instances when a person might be better off not getting sedation dentistry.

You Had a Drink Before the Appointment to Calm Down

Alcohol and sedatives don’t mix well. And while we don’t judge anyone for their choices, we can’t offer sedation if you’ve had alcohol prior to coming in.

You’re With Child

If you’re pregnant, experts recommend that you avoid sedation dentistry. Even though the sedative is a mild one, it’s not worth the slight risk to your unborn child.

You’re on Prescription Medication

If you’re currently taking other medications, it’s probably a good idea to not get sedation during your treatment, since there may be contraindications.

You’re Not Especially Anxious

If you don’t suffer from dental anxiety, there’s no reason to get a sedative. Why mess with perfection?

You Have a Respiratory Condition

If you have sleep apnea, a stuffy nose, COPD, bronchitis or another respiratory condition, we don’t recommend getting sedation dentistry.

Tips to Relax With a Sedative

Here are some tips to relax without sedation dentistry:

Take a warm bath before your appointment
Practice visualizing techniques
Bring earbuds and listen to relaxing music

As your dentist in Charlottesville, VA, we’re committed to helping you to feel as comfortable as possible during your visits, with or without sedation dentistry. Contact us to learn more.

Have Questions About Sedation Dentistry? We Have Answers!